DE LA MARE (Walter).
Autograph Manuscript verse addressed to “Dear S.C.R.” [Sydney Castle Roberts].
“A Fellow – with that great big F”
14 lines (not in sonnet form). Its meaning somewhat opaque but apparently written to mark an academic appointment, and mentioning Keble College, Oxford.
“But how “The Others” now will shine! / Since KEBLE, just for once / Has, with a gesture so benign / Professed its attic salt & wine - / And welcomed in a dunce.”
Roberts, a senior figure in Cambridge academic circles and great Sherlock Holmes expert, contributed to the book of tributes for de la Mare’s 75th birthday (1948).
Very good condition.
